Muira puama, also called "potency wood," is a small tree
that grows to 5 m high and is native to the Brazilian Amazon and other
parts
of the Amazon rainforest. The small, white flowers have a pungent fragrance
similar to jasmine's. The Ptychopetalum genus is a small one - only two
species of small trees grow in tropical South America and five in tropical
Africa. The two South American varieties, P. olacoides (found in Brazil,
French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname) and P. uncinatum (found only in
Brazil), are used interchangeably in South American herbal medicine systems.
The
olacoides variety is usually preferred, as it has a higher content of
lupeol (one of the plant's active phytochemicals). A completely different
species
of Brazilian tree, Liriosma ovata, also goes by the common name of muira
puama (and is often sold in commerce as such); however, it is a completely
different tree with a different phytochemical makeup.

TRIBAL AND HERBAL MEDICINE USES

Historically, all parts of muira puama have been used medicinally, but
the bark and roots are the most-utilized parts of the plant. It has long
been used in the Amazon by indigenous peoples for a number of purposes.
Native peoples along the Brazilian Amazon's Rio Negro river use the stems
and roots from young plants as a tonic to treat neuromuscular problems;
a root decoction is used in baths and massages for treating paralysis
and beri-beri; and a root-and-bark tea is taken to treat sexual debility,
rheumatism, grippe, and cardiac and gastrointestinal weakness. It's also
valued there as a preventive for baldness. In Brazilian herbal medicine,
muira puama still is a highly-regarded sexual stimulant with a reputation
as a powerful aphrodisiac. It has been in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia
since the 1950s. It is used as a neuromuscular tonic for weakness and
paralysis, dyspepsia, menstrual disturbances, chronic rheumatism (applied
topically), sexual impotency, grippe, and central nervous system disorders.

Muira puama is employed around the world today in herbal medicine. Early
European explorers noted the indigenous uses and the aphrodisiac qualities
of muira puama and brought it back to Europe, where it has become part
of herbal medicine in England. It is still listed in the British Herbal
Pharmacopoeia (a noted herbal medicine source from the British Herbal
Medicine Association); it is recommended there for the treatment of dysentery
and impotence. It is also used in Europe to treat impotence, infertility,
nerve pain, menstrual disturbances, and dysentery. In Germany, muira
puama is employed as a central nervous system tonic, for hookworms, menstrual
disturbances, and rheumatism. Muira puama has been gaining in popularity
in the United States, where herbalists and health care practitioners
are using it for impotence, depression, menstrual cramps and PMS, nerve
pain, and central nervous system disorders.

PLANT CHEMICALS

Scientists began searching for the source of muira puama's efficacy
in the 1920s. Early researchers discovered that the root and bark were
rich in fatty acids and fatty acid esters (the main one being behenic
acid), essential oils (including beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene),
plant sterols, triterpenes (including lupeol), and a new alkaloid-which
they named muirapuamine. Scientists resumed researching the plant's constituents
and pharmacological properties in the late 1960s and continued into the
late 1980s. These studies indicated that the active constituents also
included free long-chain fatty acids, sesquiterpenes, monoterpenes, and
novel alkaloids.

In one of the early studies, researchers indicated that muira puama
was effective in treating disorders of the nervous system and sexual
impotence, and that "permanent effect is produced in locomotor ataxia,
neuralgias of long standing, chronic rheumatism, and partial paralysis." In
1930, Meiro Penna wrote about muira puama in his book Notas Sobre Plantas
Brasilerias. He cited physiological and therapeutic experiments conducted
in France by Dr. Rebourgeon that confirmed the efficacy of the plant
for "gastrointestinal and circulatory asthenia and impotency of
the genital organs."

The benefits of treating impotence with muira puama have been studied
in two human trials in France, which reported that muira puama was effective
in improving libido and treating erectile dysfunction. In one French
study among 262 male patients who experienced lack of sexual desire and
the inability to attain or maintain an erection, 62% of the patients
with loss of libido reported that the extract of muira puama "had
a dynamic effect," and 51% of patients with erectile dysfunction
felt that muira puama was beneficial. The second study evaluated positive
psychological benefits of muira puama in 100 men with male sexual weakness.
The therapeutic dosage was 1.5 g of a muira puama extract daily. In their
final report, researchers indicated muira puama could "enhance libido
[in 85% of test group], increase the frequency of intercourse [in 100%]
and improve the ability to maintain an erection [in 90%]."

In other recent clinical research, muira puama extracts have been reported
to have adaptogenic, antifatigue, antistress, and beneficial effects
on the central nervous system. A specially-prepared extract from the
root of muira puama has been patented for its ability to "relieve
physical and mental fatigue" and for "ameliorating a weakened
constitution." Researchers in Brazil documented a definite central
nervous system effect of the bark in studies with mice. The bark of muira
puama also has demonstrated a mild, short-lived, hypotensive effect.
The root was found to inhibit stress-induced ulcers, while the leaf demonstrated
an analgesic effect. Another U.S. patent has been filed on muira puama,
citing that it can "reduce body fat percentage, increase lean muscle
mass and lower cholesterol" in humans and animals with long-term
use (and with no toxicity noted). The newest research confirms muira
puama's traditional use for memory and nervous disorders. Brazilian researchers
reported in 2003 that an alcohol extract of muira puama facilitated memory
retrieval in both young and aged mice and noted it may be beneficial
for Alzheimer's patients. Their next study published in 2004 reported
that an alcohol extract of muira puama protected and increased the viability
of brain cells in mice (partly through an antioxidant effect) which may
be beneficial for stroke victims. Toxicity studies with mice published
in 1983 indicates no toxic effects.

CURRENT PRACTICAL USES

While so-called aphrodisiacs have come and gone in history, muira puama
has retained its stature and may well provide one of the more effective
natural therapeutic approaches for erectile function and libido enhancement.
Before trying to self-treat, however, men should always seek the advice
of a health practitioner if suffering from erectile dysfunction or impotency;
this often can be an early warning sign of vascular insufficiency and/or
underlying heart problems.

To achieve the libido and potency effects of this particular plant,
proper preparation methods must be employed. The active constituents
thought to be responsible for muira puama's potency and libido effect
are not soluble in water - taking bark or root powder in capsules or
tablets will not be effective because these chemical cannot be digested
or absorbed. High heat for at least 20 minutes with alcohol is necessary
to free the volatile and essential oils, terpenes, gums, and resins found
in the bark and root which have been linked to muira puama's beneficial
effects.

Traditional Preparation: Since many of the most active principals are
not water soluble it is best to prepared this plant as a tincture,
using 2-4 ml of a 4:1 tincture twice daily. Boiling the tincture for
20 minutes will help facilitate extraction of the non-water-soluble
chemicals. For its tonic effect, one of the traditional remedies is
to gently simmer 1 teaspoon of root and/or bark in one cup of water
for 15 minutes and take 1/2 to 1 cup daily.

† The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration. The information contained in this plant
database file is intended for education, entertainment and information
purposes only. This information is not intended to be used to diagnose,
prescribe or replace proper medical care. The plant described herein
is not intended to treat, cure, diagnose, mitigate or prevent any disease.
Please refer to our Conditions of Use for using this plant database file
and web site.

Referenced Quotes on Muira Puama
2. "Marapuama has been used in tonifying the nervous system and
for cases of mild exhaustion. It helps with gastrointestinal and reproductive
disorders. It has antirheumatic properties and can be used for treating
stress and trauma. Because of neurosexual stimulation it can enhance
the libido. It can enhance blood chi and balance yin and yang in the
triple warmer. It has been considered to be useful in prevention of some
types of baldness. It is also used for neuromuscular problems."

8. "Brazilian uses and Folklore: Marapuama has long been valued
as an aphrodisiac and tonic for the nervous system. M. Penna, in his
book "Notas Sobre Plantas Brasileiras" (Araujo Penna &,
Cia., Rio de Janeiro, 1930) states that Marapuama is a "Neurosthenetic,
aphrodisiac... and anti-rheumatic. It is recommended on a basis of confirmed
experience, in the treatment of disorders of the nervous system ....
Through the latest physiological and therapeutic experiments done in
Paris by Dr. Rebourgeon, the efficiency of this plant has been confirmed...
giving good results in gastrointestinal and circulatory asthenia and
in impotency of the genital organs." (p. 258). G. L. Cruz concurs,
indicating the use of Marapuama for problems of the nervous system and
sexual impotency.* When treating the symptoms of sexual impotence or
lack of desire, Brazilian men usually mix teas made from Marapuama and
Catuaba. Uses: Used in disturbances of the genital organs, in cases of
impotency; also an aphrodisiac. Influential in treating symptoms of nervous
problems and disorders (neurasthenia, neuralgia). Anti-rheumatic, fortifies
the stomach and intestines.
* Livro verde . 607"

11. "The primary Amazon herbs used for their synergistic effects
during athletic training and recovery include the following: Catuaba
and Marapuama as strong tonics and nervous system fortifiers; Marapuama
also for its anti-rheumatic properties;
Three herbs from the Amazon act as aphrodisiacs and have traditionally
been used for impotence: Marapuama, Catuaba, and Cajueiro. A recent study
at the Institute of Sexology in Paris, France, found that Marapuama was
more effective than Yohimbine (pharmaceutical extract from the plant
Yohimbe) fore erectile dysfunctions. Sam tried Marapuama, and Mary Ellen
reported great results.
Amazon herbs traditionally used as nervous system tonics or fortifiers
include Catuaba, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, Marapuama, Mulungu, Star
Anise, Suma, and Una de gato. Marapuama is a good tonic for the nervous
system and useful in treating symptoms of neuralgia or nervous depression.
Other herbs from the Amazon which help establish balance during the menstrual
cycle or during menopause include Abuta, Maracuja, Marapuama, Star anise
and Una de gato. According to Brazilians, Marapuama is used frequently
for menstrual cramps, premenstral syndrome and frigidity. It is also
a tonic for the nervous system and helps alleviate symptoms of depression."

Discovery Channel Health Article by Chris Kilham
Science on these plants is still modest, but reports in scientific journals
and at conferences have supported their use for sexual enhancement.
In catuaba, a group of three alkaloids dubbed catuabine A, B and C
are believed to enhance sexual function by stimulating the nervous
system. In muirapuama, chemists have identified a group of sterols
including beta-sitosterol, thought to be responsible for the herb's
aphrodisiac effects. In one study using muirapuama, 51 percent of men
with erectile problems reported improvement, and 62 percent experienced
an increase in libido.

After our time in Manaus, Bernie and I boated down the Amazon river
where we stayed with Ipixuna and Crinicoru indians in floating shacks
on the water. While there we ventured into the rain forest with native
guides who showed us catuaba and muirapuama trees growing in different
places. We also witnessed the harvesting of catuaba bark and its subsequent
sale to a local buyer. We learned that most natives use these plants
by placing a small handful of their combined barks in a glass of room-temperature
water, let the herbs sit overnight, and drink the resulting amber infusion
in the morning.

The Shamans
To confirm what we had read about catuaba and muirapuama, and what Antonio
Matas had imparted, Bernie and I set off to interview a couple of elderly
women shamans, both of whom were experts in the preparation and use
of Amazon medicinal plants. Each woman told us that the sexual restorative
virtues of catuaba and muirapuama were significant. One 89-year-old
shaman named Therese echoed Antonio's words when she told us, "Catuaba
and muirapuama together can make people sexually young again."

Throughout history, people have sought to increase libido and improve
sexual function through the use of reputed aphrodisiac plants. Catuaba
and muirapuama, two common trees growing widely across the Amazon river
basin, enjoy centuries of safe, effective use as bona fide aphrodisiacs. "

Printed in The American Journal of Natural Medicine, November 1994, Vol.
1, No. 3, Page 8
Yohimbine vs. Muira puama in the treatment of erectile dysfunction
The term "impotence" has traditionally been used to signify the
inability of the male to attain and maintain erection of the penis sufficient
to permit satisfactory sexual intercourse. Impotence, in most circumstances,
is more precisely referred to as e rectile dysfunction as this term differentiates
itself from loss of libido, premature ejaculation, or inability to achieve
orgasm.
An estimated 10 to 20 million men suffer from erectile dysfunction. This
number is expected to increase dramatically as the median age of the population
increases. Currently, erectile dysfunction is thought to affect over 25%
of men over the age of 50.

Although the frequency of erectile dysfunction increases with age, it
must be stressed that ageing itself is not a cause of impotence. Although
the amount and force of the ejaculate as well as the need to ejaculate
decrease with age, the capacity for er ection is retained. Men are capable
of retaining their sexual virility well into their 80's. Erectile dysfunction
may be due to organic or psychogenic factors. In the overwhelming majority
of cases the cause is organic, i.e., it is due to some physiological
reason. In fact, in men over the age of 50, organic causes are responsible
fro erectile dysfunction in of 90%. In the past, a man with impotence
who was able to have nighttime or early morning erections was thought
to have psychogenic impotence. However, it is mow recognized that this
is not a reliable indicator.

Yohimbine
The only FDA approved medicine for impotence is yohimbine - an alkaloid
isolated from the bark of the yohimbe tree (Pausinystalia yohimbe) native
to tropical West Africa. Yohimbine hydrochloride increases libido, but
its primary action is to increase b lood flow to erectile tissue. Yohimbine
is a selective alpha-2 receptor antagonist. Contrary to a popular misconception,
yohimbine has no effect on testosterone levels.
When used alone, yohimbine is successful in 34% to 43% of cases. It is
effective in both psychogenic and organic cause of impotence. The standard
dose of yohimbine is 15 to 20 mg per day, however, higher doses, up to
42 mg of yohimbine, may prove to be more effective.

To illustrate the benefits to be expected in clinical practice, let's
examine the results from one of the more recent double-blind studies.
In the study, 82 men with erectile dysfunction selected from a Veterans
Administration population with a high inc idence of diabetes and vascular
disease underwent a multifactorial evaluation, including a determination
of penile brachial blood pressure index, caver nosography, sacral evoked
response, testosterone and prolactin determination, sexual dysfunction
and a rousal test.

After one month of treatment with the maximum of 42.0 mg oral yohimbine
hydrocholride daily 14% of the patients experienced restoration of full
and sustained erections. 20% reported a partial response to the therapy
and 65% reported no improvement. In comparison, only three patients reported
a positive effect in the placebo group. Maximum effect with yohimbine
takes two to three weeks to manifest itself. Yohimbine was active in
some patients with arterial insufficiency and a unilateral sacral reflex
arc lesion, and in one with low serum testosterone levels. The 34% response
is somewhat encouraging given the study population.

Side effects often make yohimbine very difficult to utilize. Yohimbine
can induce anxiety, panic attacks, and hallucinations in some individuals.
Other side effects include elevations in blood pressure, and heart rate,
dizziness, headache, and skin flus hing. Yohimbine should not be used
in individuals with psychological disturbances.

Although crude yohimbe bark preparations are available commercially,
use of pure yohimbine hydrochloride is preferred. There are no commercial
sources of yohimbe bark that are available to physicians or in health
food stores which actually state the le vel of yohimbine per dosage.
Without knowing the content of yohimbine, it is virtually impossible
to prescribe an effective and consistent dosage. Because of the yohimbine
content of yohimbe bark, the FDA classifies yohimbe as an unsafe herb.

Muira puama
Preliminary research indicates one of the best herbs to use for erectile
dysfunction or lack of libido may be Muira puama (also known as potency
wood). This shrub is native to Brazil and has long been used as a powerful
aphrodisiac and nerve stimulant i n South American folk medicine. A recent
study has validated its safety and effectiveness in improving libido
and sexual function in some patients.
At the Institute of Sexology in Paris, France, under the supervision
of one of the world's foremost authorities on sexual function, Dr. Jacques
Waynberg, a clinical study with 262 patients complaining of lack of sexual
desire and the inability to attain or maintain an erection demonstrated
Muira puama extract to be effective in many cases Within two weeks, at
a daily dose of 1 to 1.5 grams of the extract (4:1), 62% of patients
with loss of libido claimed that the treatment had dynamic effect while
5 1% of patients with "erection failures" felt that Muira puama
was of benefit. These results are extremely promising and seem to indicate
that Muira puama may provide better results than yohimbine without side
effects.

Presently, the mechanism of action of Muira puama is unknown, From the
preliminary information, it appears that it works on enhancing both psychological
and physical aspects of sexual function. Future research will undoubtably
shed additional light on t his extremely promising herb for erectile
dysfunction.

Printed in the 1993 GAIA SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS, NATUROPATHIC HERBAL
MEDICINE, "Herbal Healing Wisdom for the Future" May 29-31,
1993
Muira Puama
Muira puama, a.k.a. potency wood (Ptychopetalum olacoides), is a shrub
native to Brazil that has long been used as a powerful aphrodisiac and
nerve stimulant in folk medicine. A recent clinical study has validated
its safety and effectiveness in impr oving libido and sexual function
in men.
At the Institute of Sexology in Paris, France, a clinical study with
262 patients complaining of lack of sexual desire and the inability to
attain or maintain an erection demonstrated Muira puama extract (4:1)
to be effective in many cases. Within two w eeks, at a daily dose of
1 to 1.5 grams of extract, 62% of patients with loss of libido claimed
that the treatment had dynamic effect while 51% of patients with "erection
failures" felt that Muira puama was of benefit.

Presently, the mechanism of action of Muira puama is unknown. Future
research will undoubtedly shed additional light on this extremely promising
herb for impotence.